The death toll from the Wang Fuk Court high-rise fire in Hong Kong has risen to 44, officials confirmed on Thursday, with 45 people critically injured and 279 still unaccounted for.
The fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon in the Tai Po district, has been classified as a level five alarm — the highest category of emergency. It marks the most severe blaze to hit the city in 17 years.
Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department said the blaze was now under control in four of the eight affected buildings, though smoke continued to billow from several towers early this morning. Firefighters warned that it could take the rest of the day to fully extinguish the remaining flames.
Authorities said three people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, including two directors of a construction firm and an engineering consultant. Investigators believe the group may have breached safety regulations during the ongoing renovation works at the housing complex.
Police said mesh and plastic sheeting found covering the buildings’ exterior windows may have acted as accelerants, allowing the fire to spread rapidly between floors.
“We believe the renovation materials trapped heat and flames, contributing to the extreme spread of the fire,” a police spokesperson said.
The Wang Fuk Court complex, home to nearly 4,600 residents across 2,000 flats, was undergoing major refurbishment when the fire erupted.
Rescue teams have evacuated hundreds of residents, and authorities have set up temporary shelters and emergency housing for displaced families.
The Hong Kong government said emergency hotlines have been established for missing persons reports, and counselling services are being offered to affected residents.
Local hospitals remain overwhelmed, with several victims suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Officials have promised a full investigation into the cause of the disaster and whether safety procedures were ignored.
The last level five fire in Hong Kong occurred in 2008, when a blaze tore through a warehouse in the city’s Jordan district.